Transforming a neighbourhood
From hierarchical settlement to colourful residential area
The residential zone of Labin in Croatia, once characterised by the hierarchical division of the mine employees under the Italian Fascist regime, today is becoming a colourful neighbourhood thanks to an original restoration project employing plaster-work of different colours.
From 1940 to 1942, architect Eugenio Montuori built a series of houses in an orderly and regular manner: 12 big three-storey residential buildings (kazarmoni), 41 smaller two-storey houses (kazakape), and 20 two-storey villas (vilete) – a total of 600 flats for almost 3,000 inhabitants. The three types of houses reflect the rigorous hierarchical division of the mine employees into miners and common workers, supervisors and office workers, and managerial staff (technicians and engineers).
Today, Labin is making great efforts to preserve this architectural heritage. Many façades of the residential houses are being restored, transforming the residential area into a colourful place to live. The restoration project envisages plasters of different colours, which vary according to the different residential zone.